But today, dubbed Melanoma Monday by the American Academy of Dermatology, is a yearly reminder that early detection is key when it comes to melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Cure rates skyrocket when a melanoma is removed when it's still in its early stages of growth, which is why skin checks are so important. Free screenings are given throughout the US during the month of May.

New York City Dermatologist Linda Franks weighs in on the issue: “People are finally understanding the whole sun approach, but there are still a few things that haven't caught on.” To that end, she recommends that everyone:

• Wear sunscreen year round

• Protect their eyes by wearing sunglasses: because certain parts of the eye that contain pigmented cells called melanocytes can develop melanoma

• Perform self body exams

Franks goes on to explain that performing a self body exam is not as daunting as it sounds. “Just stand naked in front of a mirror and look for anything that's obviously abnormal: black moles, anything that's oozing or crusting.” Make an appointment with a dermatologist if there's anything that catches your eye or you see moles or spots that appear to be changing in appearance. She also recommends grabbing a hand mirror and doing a quick visual scan of the genital area, because the skin in that area also contains melanocytes, the pigmented cells that can be affected by melanoma.

For more information about melanoma and to sign up for a free skin check in your area go to melanomamonday.org.

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